Devices, systems and methods for loading samples

ABSTRACT

Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices and system that can be used to fill a sample cell. In some examples, the system can be configured with a pressure device configured to provide a negative pressure to accelerate filling of the cell with the sample. In some embodiments, the negative pressure can be used to fill a flow cell at a selected fill rate.

PRIORITY APPLICATION

This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/603,224 filed on Feb. 24, 2012, theentire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Certain features, aspects and embodiments are directed to devices thatcan be used in loading samples. In particular, certain embodimentsdescribed herein are directed to devices, systems and methods that canbe used to load samples into a chamber.

BACKGROUND

In most analytical systems, samples are loaded into an instrument formeasurement. In some instances, samples with different viscosities maybe loaded into the instrument for analysis.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a system comprising a sample introduction device, a flowcell fluidically coupled to the sample introduction device andconfigured to receive sample from the sample introduction device througha fluid inlet of the flow cell, a sensor coupled to the fluid inlet ofthe flow cell and configured to determine the time of arrival of sampleat the fluid inlet of the flow cell, a valve fluidically coupled to theflow cell, and a pressure device fluidically coupled to the flow cellwhen the valve is in a second state and fluidically decoupled from theflow cell when the valve is in a first state is provided.

In certain embodiments, the pressure device comprises a pressure chamberfluidically coupled to the flow cell when the valve is in the secondstate and fluidically decoupled from the cell when the valve is in thefirst state. In other embodiments, the pressure device further comprisesa pump configured to provide a negative pressure in the pressurechamber. In additional embodiments, the system can include a processorelectrically coupled to the valve and the sensor and configured toswitch the state of the valve between the first state and the secondstate. In some instances, the processor can be configured to switch thevalve from the first state to the second state if the sensor detects areference time that exceeds a threshold value. In other embodiments, theprocessor can be configured to maintain the valve in the first state ifthe reference time is below a threshold value. In certain embodiments,the system can include a detector configured to detect sample in theflow cell. In other embodiments, the system can include a reservoircomprising a cleaning fluid, in which the reservoir is fluidicallycoupled to the flow cell. In further embodiments, the system can includea fluid flow line between the sample introduction device and the flowcell, in which the fluid flow line is sized and arranged to provide areference sample from the sample introduction device to the flow cell ata selected or given reference time. In certain examples, the valve isconfigured as a 3-way solenoid valve.

In another aspect, a system comprising a flow cell fluidically coupledto a valve and a pressure device when the valve is in a second state, inwhich the flow cell is fluidically decoupled from the pressure devicewhen the valve is in a first state, the pressure device configured toprovide a negative pressure when the valve is in the second state toaccelerate flow of sample into the flow cell is described.

In certain embodiments, the pressure device comprises a pressure chamberfluidically coupled to the flow cell when the valve is in the secondstate and fluidically decoupled from the cell when the valve is in thefirst state. In other embodiments, the pressure device further comprisesa pump configured to provide the negative pressure in the pressurechamber. In some examples, the system comprises a processor electricallycoupled to the valve and a sensor configured to detect arrival of thesample at a fluid inlet, in which the processor is configured to receivea signal from the sensor and is configured to switch the state of thevalve between the first state and the second state. In certainembodiments, the processor can be configured to switch the valve fromthe first state to the second state if the sensor detects a referencetime that exceeds a threshold value. In additional embodiments, theprocessor can be configured to maintain the valve in the first state ifthe reference time is below a threshold value. In some examples, thesystem can include a detector configured to detect sample in the flowcell. In other embodiments, the system can include a reservoircomprising a cleaning fluid, in which the reservoir is fluidicallycoupled to the flow cell. In further embodiments, the system can includea fluid flow line between the sample introduction device and the flowcell, in which the fluid flow line is sized and arranged to provide areference sample from the sample introduction device to the flow cell ata selected or given reference time. In some embodiments, the valve isconfigured as a 3-way solenoid valve.

In an additional aspect, a system comprising a sample introductiondevice, a flow cell, a fluid flow line between the sample introductiondevice and the flow cell, in which the fluid flow line is sized andarranged to provide a reference sample from the sample introductiondevice to the flow cell at a reference time, a sensor, e.g., anultrasonic sensor, coupled to the fluid inlet of the flow cell andconfigured to determine the time of arrival of sample at the fluid inletof the flow cell, a valve, e.g., a 3-way solenoid valve, fluidicallycoupled to the flow cell and configured to be switched between a firststate and a second state, and a pressure device fluidically coupled tothe flow cell when the 3-way solenoid valve is in the second state andfluidically decoupled from the flow cell when the 3-way solenoid valveis in the first state, the pressure device comprising a pressure chamberand a pump configured to provide a negative pressure in the pressurechamber to accelerate flow of sample into the flow cell when the 3-wayvalve is in the second state is provided.

In certain embodiments, the volume of the pressure chamber is at leastthirty times greater than the volume of the flow cell. In otherembodiments, the fluid flow line is sized and arranged to provide asample of known viscosity to the flow cell from the sample introductiondevice at a selected or given reference time. In some examples, theprocessor can be configured to switch the 3-way valve from the firststate to the second state if the ultrasonic sensor detects arrival timeof the sample that exceeds the reference time. In certain embodiments,the processor can be configured to maintain the 3-way valve in the firststate if the arrival time of the sample is below the threshold time. Inadditional embodiments, the system can include a detector configured todetect sample in the flow cell. In some examples, the system can includea reservoir comprising a cleaning fluid, in which the reservoir isfluidically coupled to the flow cell. In further examples, the systemcan be configured to introduce the cleaning fluid into the flow cell tocreate a turbulent flow to clean the flow cell. In other embodiments,the system can include an additional flow cell fluidically coupled tothe sample introduction device, an additional fluid flow line betweenthe sample introduction device and the additional flow cell, in whichthe additional fluid flow line is sized and arranged to provide areference sample from the sample introduction device to the additionalflow cell at a second reference time, an additional ultrasonic sensorcoupled to the fluid inlet of the additional flow cell and configured todetermine the time of arrival of sample at the fluid inlet of theadditional flow cell, and an additional 3-way solenoid valve fluidicallycoupled to the flow cell and configured to be switched between a firststate and a second state, in which the additional flow cell isfluidically coupled to the pressure device when the additional 3-waysolenoid valve is in the second state and fluidically decoupled from theadditional flow cell when the additional 3-way solenoid valve is in thefirst state. In some examples, the sample introduction device can beconfigured as a manifold with at least two outlets in which a firstoutlet is fluidically coupled to the flow cell and a second outlet isfluidically coupled to the additional flow cell.

In another aspect, a method of accelerating the flow of sample into aflow cell, the method comprising actuating a valve between a flow celland a pressure device from a first state to a second state to providefluidic coupling between the flow cell and the pressure device if asensed time of sample arrival at the sample cell is greater than athreshold value is provided.

In certain embodiments, the method comprises providing a negativepressure using the pressure device to accelerate the sample into thesample cell. In other embodiments, the method comprises configuring thenegative pressure to be about −100 mbar or less, e.g., about −300 mbar.In additional embodiments, the method comprises providing a fluid flowline configured to be placed between a sample introduction device andthe flow cell, in which the fluid flow line is sized and arranged toprovide a reference sample from the sample introduction device to theflow cell at a selected or given reference time. In further embodiments,the method comprises configuring the fluid flow line to be about 10inches long. In additional embodiments, the method comprises detectingarrival of sample at the flow cell using an ultrasonic sensor or anoptical sensor. In further embodiments, the method comprises detectingsample in the flow cell using an infrared detector. In certainembodiments, the method comprises measuring the time of arrival of thesample at the flow cell and fluidically coupling the flow cell to thepressure device if the arrival time is greater than a threshold time. Insome embodiments, the method comprises measuring the time of arrival ofthe sample at the flow cell and operating the flow cell in a fluidicallydecoupled state if the arrival time is less than a threshold time. Inadditional embodiments, the method comprises providing a turbulent flowof a cleaning fluid to the flow cell to remove any residue from the flowcell.

In an additional aspect, a method of accelerating the flow of sampleinto a flow cell, the method comprising providing a negative pressurefrom a pressure device fluidically coupled to the flow cell toaccelerate filling of the flow cell with the sample is described.

In certain embodiments, the method comprises introducing sample from asample introduction device into the flow cell fluidically coupled to thesample introduction device, the flow cell comprising a sensor in a fluidinlet, in which the sensor is configured to detect arrival of the sampleat the flow cell. In additional embodiments, the method comprisesactuating a valve between the pressure device and the sample cell to aposition that provides the fluidic coupling between the pressure deviceand the sample cell if the detected time of sample arrival at the samplecell is greater than a threshold value. In further embodiments, themethod comprises configuring the negative pressure to be about −100 mbaror less, e.g., about −200 mbar, −300 mbar or less. In certain examples,the method comprises providing a fluid flow line configured to be placedbetween a sample introduction device and the flow cell, in which thefluid flow line is sized and arranged to provide a reference sample fromthe sample introduction device to the flow cell at a selected or givenreference time. In certain embodiments, the method comprises detectingarrival of sample at the flow cell using an ultrasonic sensor or anoptical sensor. In additional embodiments, the method comprisesdetecting sample in the flow cell using an infrared detector. In furtherembodiments, the method comprises measuring the time of arrival of thesample at the flow cell and fluidically coupling the flow cell to thepressure device if the arrival time is greater than a threshold time. Inother examples, the method comprises measuring the time of arrival ofthe sample at the flow cell and operating the flow cell in a fluidicallydecoupled state if the arrival time is less than a threshold time. Insome examples, the method comprises providing a turbulent flow of acleaning fluid to the flow cell to remove any residue from the flowcell.

In another aspect, a method of loading a flow cell at a selected flowrate where samples of varying viscosity are loaded, the methodcomprising measuring the arrival time of a sample at an entrance port ofthe flow cell, and fluidically coupling the flow cell to a pressuredevice providing a negative pressure to accelerate filling of the flowcell to the selected flow rate if the measured arrival time exceeds athreshold value is described.

In certain embodiments, the method comprises measuring the arrival timeof the sample using an ultrasonic sensor or other suitable sensor, e.g.,an optical sensor. In some examples, the method comprises actuating a3-way solenoid valve to a second state to provide the fluidic couplingbetween the flow cell and the pressure device. In further embodiments,the method comprises adjusting the negative pressure to be about −100mbar or less. In some embodiments, the method comprises providing afluid flow line configured to be placed between a sample introductiondevice and the flow cell, in which the fluid flow line is sized andarranged to provide a reference sample from the sample introductiondevice to the flow cell at a selected or given reference time. Inadditional embodiments, the method comprises providing the negativepressure from a pressure device comprising a pressure chamber with avolume at least thirty times larger than the volume of the flow cell. Incertain embodiments, the method comprises providing a selected negativepressure to the flow cell during filling of the flow cell. In furtherexamples, the method comprises introducing a turbulent flow of acleaning fluid into the flow cell to remove any residual sample from theflow cell. In some embodiments, the method comprises configuring thenegative pressure to be less than or equal to −500 mbar duringintroduction of the cleaning fluid.

In further embodiments, a kit comprising a flow cell comprising a firstport configured to provide fluidic coupling between the flow cell and asample introduction device, and a fluid flow line configured to becoupled to the first port of the flow cell and sized and arranged to beplaced between the flow cell and the sample introduction device toprovide a sample of known viscosity to the flow cell from the sampleintroduction device at a selected time is provided.

In some examples, the kit comprises a sensor configured to be coupled tothe first port of the flow cell to detect arrival of the sample at theflow cell. In certain embodiments, the kit sensor is an ultrasonicsensor or other suitable sensor. In some examples, the kit comprises adetector configured to detect species in the flow cell. In someembodiments, the kit comprises a second fluid flow line configured to becoupled to the first port of the flow cell and sized and arranged to beplaced between the flow cell and the sample introduction device toprovide a sample of known viscosity to the flow cell from the sampleintroduction device at a selected time different from the selected timeprovided by the fluid flow line. In further embodiments, the kitcomprises a valve configured to provide fluidic coupling between theflow cell and a pressure device in a second state of the valve andconfigured to provide fluidic decoupling between the flow cell and thepressure device in a first state of the valve. In additionalembodiments, the kit comprises a pressure device configured to provide anegative pressure in the flow cell when the valve is in the secondstate. In other examples, the pressure device of the kit comprises apump configured to provide a negative pressure in a pressure chamber ofthe pressure device. In some embodiments, the valve of the kit isconfigured as a 3-way solenoid valve. In other embodiments, the kitcomprises a reservoir comprising a cleaning fluid.

In other embodiments, a downhole tool for measuring samples of varyingviscosity during a drilling operation is provided. In certain examples,the downhole tool comprises a flow cell comprising a fluid inlet, asensor coupled to the fluid inlet of the flow cell and configured todetermine the time of arrival of sample at the fluid inlet of the flowcell, a valve fluidically coupled to the flow cell, and a pressuredevice fluidically coupled to the flow cell when the valve is in asecond state and fluidically decoupled from the flow cell when the valveis in a first state, the pressure device configured to provide anegative pressure to the flow cell when the valve is in the secondstate.

In certain examples, the flow cell of the downhole tool is fluidicallycoupled to a fluid flow line between a sample introduction device andthe flow cell, in which the fluid flow line is sized and arranged toprovide a reference sample from the sample introduction device to theflow cell at a reference time. In other examples, the downhole tool isconfigured to actuate the valve from the first state to the second stateif arrival of the sample at the fluid inlet is greater than thethreshold arrival time. In some embodiments, the downhole tool comprisesa sensor, e.g., an ultrasonic sensor, configured to detect arrival ofthe sample at the fluid inlet. In certain examples, the downhole toolcomprises a detector configured to detect sample in the flow cell. Inadditional examples, the detector of the downhole is configured as anoptical detector, e.g., an FTIR. In some embodiments, the pressuredevice of the downhole tool is configured to provide a negative pressureof about −100 mbar or less, e.g., about −300 mbar or less. In otherexamples, the downhole tool can include a reservoir comprising acleaning fluid, in which the reservoir is fluidically coupled to theflow cell. In certain embodiments, the pressure device of the downholetool is configured to provide a negative pressure less than or equal to−500 mbar during introduction of the cleaning fluid to provide aturbulent flow of cleaning fluid to the flow cell.

In another aspect, a method of filling a flow cell to provide a desiredfilling time is provided. In certain embodiments, the method comprisesfilling the flow cell at a fill time T using Equation [2]T=(C ₁ +kx−C ₂ x ² +C ₃ P+C ₄ xP)×z+x  [2]where C₁, C₂, C₃ and C₄ are constants determined empirically from agraph of fill times versus reference times, k is a constant, x is areference time, P is a pre-pump pressure in mbar before a dispenseoperation is initiated and z is a Fill Factor.

In certain embodiments, the fill factor comprises a scaling factor thatcontrols how far the fill extends beyond the top of an optical window ofthe flow cell. In other embodiments, the method comprises using a timingline comprising a length of about 10 inches, an outer diameter of about⅛^(th) of an inch and an inner diameter of about 1/16^(th) of an inch.In additional embodiments, C₁ is 1423, C₂ is 2.882×10⁻⁵, C₃ is 2.143, C₄is 2.491×10⁻³, k is 2.0 or 2.2, and z is 1.3. In some examples, themethod can include adjusting the pressure P to be an effective pressureto provide a selected fill time for the flow cell for a selected sample.In further examples, the method can include adjusting the pressure P toan effective pressure to provide a turbulent flow of a cleaning fluidinto the flow cell. In additional examples, the method can include usingEquation [2] to fill the flow cell if the reference time exceeds athreshold value. In further embodiments, the method can includepassively filling the flow cell if the reference time is less than athreshold value. In some embodiments, the method can include analyzing aplurality of samples, in which the fill time for each sample is selectedusing equation [2].

Additional features, aspects and examples are described in more detailbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Certain illustrative embodiments are described in more detail below withreference to the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a system configured for use in a directfilling or passive mode, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a system configured for use in an vacuumassisted filling or active mode, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a sample introduction system, in accordancewith certain examples;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a system comprising a flow cell, a valveand a pressure chamber, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 5 is a timing diagram for passive operation, e.g., direct filling,of a system as described herein, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 6 is a timing diagram for active operation, e.g., vacuum assistedfilling, of a system as described herein, in accordance with certainexamples;

FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship of fill time and referencetime for a series of measured samples, in accordance with certainexamples; and

FIG. 8 is a table showing measured filling times with various fluids ofdifferent viscosities, in accordance with certain examples.

It will be recognized by the person of ordinary skill in the art, giventhe benefit of this disclosure, that the relative positions and sizes ofthe components in the figures are not limiting and that no particularsize, dimension, thickness or arrangement is implied as being requiredbased on the representations of the components shown in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain specific examples are described below to illustrate further someof the novel aspects of the technology described herein. The term fluidas used herein is intended to refer to gases and liquids and otherstates of matter that can flow. In some embodiments, the term fluid isused to describe viscous samples that may flow slower than desiredthrough a selected fluid line.

In certain embodiments, many high-throughput screening and monitoringapplications require the repeated delivery of samples into a flow cellwhere a measurement (optical or otherwise) is performed. Aftermeasurement, the sample is flushed and the cell washed with solvent inpreparation for the next sample. Where the samples under test all sharesimilar viscosity values, a simple delivery system (e.g. from a pipettedriven by a motor driven syringe) can be configured to provide areliable filling process for all samples, although the filling time maybe slow if the samples being analyzed have moderate to high viscosity.In situations where sample viscosities vary widely, a conventionalfilling system would typically have to be configured for worst casesample conditions (i.e. highest viscosities) leading to low overallthroughput rates.

Certain embodiments described herein provide a rapid and efficientsolution to filling a flow cell where the samples to be measured span awide range of viscosities. Desirable attributes provided by certainembodiments include, for example, the filling time can be automaticallydetermined on a per-sample basis, with the result that throughput ratesare not limited by worst-case sample conditions; a mechanism can beemployed to accelerate the movement of fluid into the flow cell,enabling significantly faster average fill times than is possible with aconventional filling system, the ability to switch on the sample fillingacceleration mechanism adaptively when required according to sampleviscosity; the volume of cleaning solvent can be automaticallycalculated on a per-sample basis; in addition, the cleaning process canbe highly turbulent and consequently very efficient. These attributesenable minimization of cleaning times and solvent volumes.

In certain examples, the systems described herein can include a fluidcircuit configuration to enable a flow cell to be rapidly filled withsample. The fluid circuit can include many different componentsdepending on the desired configuration, and illustrative componentsinclude, but are not limited to, a fill cup assembly at which sample canbe delivered from a syringe based pipette system, e.g., an autosamplerdeck. If desired, the pipette can form a seal with the fill cup duringsample injection. In some examples, the system can include a sensor,positioned at the inlet of the flow cell, that is configured to detectarrival of the sample. In certain examples, the system can include apressure chamber positioned downstream of the flow cell to provide aknown negative pressure prior to the delivery of sample into the system.In some embodiments, a valve may be positioned between the flow cell andthe pressure chamber to enable the pressure upstream of the sample to beswitched between atmospheric pressure and a negative pressure of thepressure chamber. The system can be used, for example, as follows: afterthe sample is injected, the time taken to trigger the sample sensor ismeasured. The timing measurement can be used to determine whether to useactive or passive filling of the cell. If the passive or direct fillingis selected, sample is permitted to flow into the sample cell propelledby the back pressure in the pipette tip. If the active or assistedfilling is selected, the negative pressure can be used to accelerateflow of sample into the sample flow cell. After measurement and/orevacuation of the sample from the flow cell, the calculated volume ofsolvent can be introduced into the fill cup in a series of shots orinjections. The pressure chamber can be continuously pumped to drawsolvent through the cell with high speed and turbulence to achieveefficient washing of the cell.

In certain embodiments, the systems, methods and devices describedherein can be used in many different applications including, but notlimited to, food sampling, blood screening, water quality monitoring,oil/gas monitoring and measurements and in other applications wheredifferent fluid samples may have different viscosities. If desired, thefluids may be separated prior to introduction into a cell, e.g., usingchromatography, such that fluid comprising only one or a few species ismeasured at any one time.

In certain embodiments, the devices, systems and methods describedherein can include one or more fluid flow lines sized and arranged toprovide a reference sample to a flow cell at a selected, determined orgiven reference time. For example, a fluid flow line can be sized suchthat a fluid of known viscosity can be provided from a sampleintroduction device, e.g., a pipette, autosampler, etc. In certaininstances herein, such fluid flow line may be referred to as a “timingline.” In some examples, the timing line can be used to determine if asample is provided to a flow cell within a desired time. For example, ifa sample is provided to a flow cell at a time larger than a thresholdtime, then it may be desirable to increase the flow rate of the sampleinto the flow cell, e.g., by providing a negative pressure to acceleratesample flow into the flow cell. Where the sample is provided to a flowcell at a time less than a threshold time, the sample flow rate maycontinue to flow without any negative pressure assistance. In certainembodiments, the devices, methods and systems described herein candesirably use active flow to accelerate the flow of viscous fluidsamples into a chamber, also referred to in certain instances as a flowcell or sample cell or sample chamber. In certain examples, the activeflow may be provided through fluidic coupling of the chamber with apressure device such as, for example, a pump, a pressure chamber or acombination thereof. In some embodiments, the pressure device can beconfigured to provide a negative pressure relative to atmosphericpressure such that fluid sample is drawn more rapidly into the chamberwhen compared to the fill rate using passive flow, e.g., using flowthrough a system open to atmospheric pressure at a fluid outlet or atzero gauge pressure.

In certain examples where passive flow, also referred to in certaininstances as direct flow, is implemented pneumatic pressure from asample introduction device can be used to introduce a sample into achamber. For example and referring to FIG. 1, a system 100 can include asample introduction device 110 fluidically coupled to a sample chamber120, which is generally designed to receive sample and/or retain samplefor analysis. The sample chamber 120 can include a fluid inlet 122fluidically coupled to the sample introduction device 110 through atiming line 115 and a fluid outlet 124 which may flow to waste, a trapor other suitable systems or devices. While the fluid inlet 122 andoutlet 124 are shown as separate components from the sample chamber 120for ease of description, the sample chamber 120 typically includes anintegral fluid inlet and an integral fluid outlet. In some embodiments,the fluid outlet 124 may be exposed to the atmosphere such thatpneumatic pressure from the sample introduction device 110 results inflow of sample from the sample introduction device 110 into the samplechamber 120 and to waste through the fluid outlet 124. For example, asample introduction device 110 can be configured to provide positivepressure to force sample from the sample introduction device 110 intothe sample chamber 120. Illustrations of suitable sample introductiondevices are described in more detail below.

In certain embodiments, the timing line 115 can be sized and arrangedsuch that a reference sample, e.g., one of known viscosity, is providedfrom the sample introduction device 110 to the sample chamber 120 at aselected or given reference time. In some embodiments, the dimensions ofthe timing line 115 are selected such that the reference sample isprovided from the sample introduction device 110 to the sample chamber120 within a selected threshold time, e.g., 500 milliseconds or less.This threshold time or value can be used to compare the arrival time ofunknown samples at the sample chamber 120. For example, a sensor (notshown) can be present in the sample chamber 120, the fluid inlet 122 orboth, in which the sensor is configured to detect the presence ofsample. The exact nature of the sensor can vary depending on the sampleproperties and illustrative sensors are described in more detail below.In some embodiments, the time from sample introduction to sensing ofsample arrival by the sensor can be compared to the threshold time. Ifthe arrival time of the sample is less than the threshold time, then thesystem may operate using the passive filling, e.g., at atmosphericpressure on the downstream side of the sample chamber 120. For example,passive filling may be suitable for use with samples of low viscositythat can flow quickly from the sample introduction device 110 to thechamber sample 120. If the arrival time of the sample is greater thanthe threshold time, then active filling can be implemented to reducesample arrival time. For example, where a highly viscous sample isloaded from the sample introduction device, the viscous sample may flowslowly through the timing line 115 and arrive at the sample chamber 120at a time that exceeds the threshold time. In some embodiments, thelevel or degree of active filling implemented can be selected such thatactual sample arrival time is selected to be a desired arrival time. Forexample, the pressure provided by a pressure device can be selected suchthat sample flow is accelerated to an effective amount to provide aselected sample arrival time.

In some embodiments, the arrival time of the sample can vary based onthe physical properties of the sample including but not limited toviscosity, polarity, component make-up or other physical properties ofthe sample. For example, the sample arrival time at the sample chamber120 may vary with the viscosity of the fluid, e.g., certain liquids maybe more viscous and generally take longer to flow into the samplechamber 120. To increase the flow rate into the chamber, or to decreasethe filling time of sample in the sample chamber 120, the sample chamber120 may be fluidically coupled to a pressure device configured toaccelerate sample flow into the sample chamber 120 at least undercertain conditions. One schematic of a system including a pressuredevice is shown in FIG. 2. The system 200 includes a sample chamber 210configured to be fluidically coupled to a pressure device 220. In someexamples, a valve 225, e.g., a 3-way solenoid valve, can be positionedin a fluid line 215 between the sample chamber 210 and the pressuredevice 220. When the system 200 is operating in the passive or directmode, the valve 220 can be configured to permit fluidic coupling betweenthe atmosphere and the sample chamber 210 such that fluid generallyflows from the sample introduction device (not shown) into the samplechamber 210 and out to waste once sample measurements have beenperformed. In the passive configuration, the pressure device 220 isfluidically decoupled to the sample chamber 210, e.g., the valve is in afirst position or state to prevent fluid flow or fluidic couplingbetween the sample chamber 210 and the pressure device 220. Whereviscous samples are being used, it can be desirable to actuate the valve220 to a second position where the pressure device 220 becomesfluidically coupled to the sample chamber 210 to accelerate flow ofsample into the sample chamber 210 and decrease the overall filling timeof the sample chamber 210. When the pressure device 220 is fluidicallycoupled to the sample chamber 210, active or assisted flow can be usedto accelerate the flow of sample into the sample chamber 210. In certainembodiments, the pressure device 220 can be configured with, orconfigured to provide, a pressure less than atmospheric pressure suchthat sample flow from the sample introduction device (not shown) isaccelerated into the sample chamber 210 to reduce overall filling time.Such a negative pressure can result in an increased pressuredifferential between the sample introduction device and the samplechamber 210 such that sample flow into the sample chamber 210 isaccelerated. In some embodiments, the negative pressure may be less than−100 mbar, e.g., −200 mbar, −300 mbar or −400 mbar.

In embodiments where active or assisted flow is used, the pressuredevice 220 may provide at a generally constant pressure or may beconfigured to provide a pressure that can vary depending on the natureof the sample. For example, it may be desirable to set the pressure ofthe pressure device 220 at a fixed negative pressure that can be usedwith many different types of samples. In other configurations, thepressure provided by the pressure device 220 may vary, e.g., a morenegative pressure can be used where highly viscous samples are usedcompared to the pressure used with less viscous samples. In someembodiments, the provided pressure may be pulsed or provided inincremental bursts to accelerate sample into the sample chamber 210.Such pulsing or bursts may occur by actuating the valve 225 between thedifferent states at a desired frequency. In some instances, the valvecan be actuated at an effective frequency such that sample flow fromsample introduction device to the sample chamber 210 appears to flowcontinuously. By pulsing the valve at an effective frequency,incremental periods of active and passive flow may be implemented tobetter assist in controlling sample flow into the sample chamber 210.

In certain embodiments, once the sample chamber 210 has been filled withsample, the valve 225 may be actuated to a position where the samplechamber 210 becomes fluidically decoupled from the pressure device 220.Measurement of the sample in the sample chamber 210 may then take placeusing one or more suitable techniques as described herein. In someembodiments, all flow of sample into the sample chamber 220 may bestopped during measurement, whereas in other examples flow of samplethrough the flow cell may continue during measurement of the sample inthe chamber 220.

In certain configurations, the pressure device 220 can include one ormore pumps, e.g., a vacuum pump, configured to provide a negativepressure relative to atmospheric pressure. In some embodiments, the pumpmay be coupled directly to the chamber without any interveningcomponents, whereas in other embodiments, the pump may be coupled to apressure chamber that is positioned between the sample chamber and thepump. In embodiments where a pressure chamber is present, the volume ofthe pressure chamber may be substantially larger than the volume of thesample chamber such that a rapid pressure drop to a desired negativepressure can be achieved when the pressure chamber and the samplechamber are fluidically coupled. In certain embodiments, the volume ofthe pressure chamber may be about five times, ten times, twenty times,fifty times or 100 times larger than the volume of the flow cell. Forexample, the flow cell may have a volume of about 100-200 microliters,and the pressure chamber may have a volume of about 100-200 milliliters.In some embodiments, the sample may flow into the sample chamber whereit can be analyzed and then may flow into the pressure chamber and ontowaste. In other embodiments, the sample flow may flow into the samplechamber where it can be analyzed and then may flow directly out of thesystem and to waste or a trap without passing through the pressurechamber itself. In some embodiments, the pressure chamber can functionas a trap with sample and any wash or cleaning fluid used flowing intothe pressure chamber. The pressure chamber may subsequently be emptiedby opening a valve, applying a positive pressure using a pump or byother means.

In certain embodiments, a sensor can be present in the fluid inlet ofthe chamber to sense or otherwise determine directly or indirectly theviscosity of the sample. Sample viscosity may be determined indirectlyby measuring the time it takes a sample to travel from an injectionpoint to the sensor, e.g., the time it take the sample to travel throughthe timing line and arrive at the sample chamber. In some embodiments,the sensor can be used to detect the arrival of sample at the samplechamber. The arrival time of the sample can be used to determine whetheror not passive or active flow should be used. For example, the time ittakes to trigger the sensor, e.g., the sensor is triggered as soon asthe sample arrives at the chamber, can be compared to a threshold value,and if the trigger time is greater than the threshold value, active flowcan be implemented to accelerate sample into the chamber. If the triggertime is less than the threshold value, then passive flow may continue tobe used, e.g., positive air pressure provided by the sample introductiondevice can be used to provide flow of sample into the flow cell. Incertain embodiments, the sensor may be an ultrasonic sensor configuredto detect the presence of sample at the fluid inlet of the flow cell.The ultrasonic sensor is generally insensitive to color or discolorationof the sample or tubing and may be desirable to use where sooty or darksamples are present that might interfere with optical sensors. In otherembodiments, an optical sensor can be used that is configured to detecta difference in light transmitted when the sample is present versus thesample not being present. In additional embodiments, a magnetic sensorcan be used to detect when a sample comprising magnetic species arrivesat the chamber. Notwithstanding that many different types of sensors canbe used to detect sample arrival, the sensor is generally configured toprovide a reference state or condition prior to any sample beingintroduced. This condition can be continuously monitored or polledintervally, and when a change in the condition is noted, e.g., whensample is present, this time can be recorded. For example, a timingperiod can be initiated when sample is introduced from the sampleintroduction device. When sample is sensed by the sensor, the timingperiod can be stopped and the sample arrival time t_(sensor) is thetotal time between the beginning of sample introduction and samplesensing by the sensor.

In some embodiments described herein, a simple comparison step betweent_(sensor) and a threshold time (t_(thresh)) can be performed todetermine if active or passive filling should be selected. Wheret_(thresh) is greater than t_(sensor), passive filling may be performed.Where t_(sensor) is greater than or equal to t_(thresh), then activefilling may be implemented to accelerate sample flow into the flow cell.Such a comparison can be performed on an injection by injection basis todetermine whether or not to use passive or active filling duringoperation of the system.

In other embodiments, rather than use a simple comparison step, analgorithm can be implemented to determine whether active or passivefilling should be used and the level of pressure that is used to providea desired fill rate. For example, the time at which sample introductionis complete can be recorded as t_(injection). The sensor can becontinuously polled to determine when sample arrives at the flow cell.This time can be recorded as t_(sensor). If the sensor is triggeredprior to introduction of all sample from the sample introduction device,then a reference time for sample arrival would bet_(reference)=t_(sensor)−t_(injection), which would provide a negativevalue as the sample will have arrived prior to completion of injection.If the injection completes prior to any sample arriving at the flowcell, then the calculated t_(reference) value would be positive ast_(sensor) would be greater than t_(injection).

In certain embodiments, the calculated reference time (t_(reference) ort_(ref)) can be compared to a threshold time (t_(thresh)), which isbased on the dimensions and size of the timing line and the time ittakes for a sample of known viscosity to arrive at the flow cell.Several scenarios exist when t_(reference) is compared to t_(thresh)including where t_(reference)<t_(thresh), then use passive filling, orwhere t_(reference)≥t_(thresh), then use active filling. In certainembodiments, the desired fill time t_(fill) can be computed from thefunctional relationship between t_(reference) and t_(fill). In oneconfiguration, a linear relationship can be used to provide an algorithmsuitable for determining the fill time (t_(fill)) as shown in Equation[1] below.T=A ₁ ×x+A ₂  [1]Where A₁ and A₂ are constants, T is the fill time and x is t_(ref). Inan alternative configuration, a more complex algorithm can be used todetermine the fill time (t_(fill)) as shown in Equation [2] below. Themore complex algorithm may provide for better and/or finer adjustment ofthe filling time. In general the fill time t_(fill) or T is a functionof the reference time t_(ref), the pre-pump pressure in millibarmeasured just before the dispense operation starts and the position k ofthe flow cell in the spectrometer (lower or upper position).Mathematically, the relationship may be represented asT=(C ₁ +kx−C ₂ x ² +C ₃ P+C ₄ xP)×z+x  [2]where T is the fill time, C₁, C₂, C₃ and C₄ are constants, x is thereference time t_(ref), P is the pre-pump pressure in millibar measuredjust before the dispense operation starts and z is the Fill Factor,which is a scaling factor that controls how far the fill extends beyondthe top of the optical window of the flow cell. It may be desirable toset a minimum value of 500 milliseconds for the fill time to triggerfilling in the active mode. For example, if the reference time exceeds500 milliseconds, then the active mode may be implemented.

In some embodiments, the constants C₁, C₂, C₃ and C₄ may be determinedempirically by performing a series of measurements where the fill timeis measured as a function of the reference time. For example, fill timemeasurements may be taken at a constant pre-pump pressure, e.g., about−200 mBar, about −300 mBar, or about −400 Mbar, and at various referencetimes to generate a graph of fill times versus reference times. Theresulting data may be fitted to the general equation shown in Equation 2to provide the constants C₁, C₂, C₃ and C₄ to provide an algorithmsuitable for use in determining if assisted or passive filling is to beimplemented for a particular sample.

In some embodiments, a similar algorithm may be used to determine thefill time in the direct or passive filling of the flow cell, as shown inEquation [3]T=C ₅ x+C ₆ +F  [3]where C₅ and C₆ are constants and F is the fill offset value, which is atiming offset applicable to the direct filing mode. To determine C₅ andC₆, the offset value may be set at a desired value, e.g., 1000 ms, andmeasurements may be performed to measure the fill time as a function ofthe reference time x. These measurements may be graphed and fitted toEquation [3] to provide the value of the constants C₅ and C₆ for aparticular system. The values of the constants will vary with thedimensions of the timing line, and the algorithm for any one particulartiming line or a set of timing lines can be determined empirically usingEquations [2] and [3].

In certain embodiments, to determine whether the system should use adirect or passive mode or an active or vacuum assisted mode, the valueof the reference time may be used. For example, if the value of thereference time is less than a selected threshold value, then the director passive mode can be used as the cell is filling in less than thethreshold time. If the value of the reference time exceeds or is equalto the selected threshold value, then the active or vacuum assisted modecan be implemented after the sample is loaded into the timing line fromthe sample introduction system. Once the vacuum assisted mode isimplemented, the filling time for the vacuum assisted mode can bedetermined using Equation [2]. Without wishing to be bound by anyparticular scientific theory, the fill time (t_(fill)) is generallycalculated to determine when the filling mode can be switched fromactive to passive and measurement of the sample may then be performed.For example, once the fill time (t_(fill)) has elapsed, the flow cellshould be filled with sample and the valve of the system can be switchedto fluidically decouple the flow cell from the pressure chamber andgenerally halt flow of sample into the flow cell. Where direct orpassive filling is used, the sample introduction device may remainengaged to avoid creating a back pressure that might disturb the sampleduring measurement. Where active or vacuum filling is used, the sampleintroduction device may be removed during measurement of the sample inthe flow cell.

In certain embodiments, once measurement of the sample has taken place,it may be desirable to flush the flow cell to remove any sample withinthe flow cell such that subsequent measurements are not contaminated byany residue from a prior sample. Due to the highly viscous nature ofcertain samples, simple flushing with a fluid may not be sufficient toremove the sample from the flow cell, e.g., viscous sample may remain onthe surfaces of the flow cell and contaminate any subsequentlyintroduced sample. To provide increased washing of the flow cell andenhanced removal of any sample from the flow cell, the active fillingmode can be implemented in combination with one or more wash fluids. Forexample and referring to FIG. 2 again, the valve 225 can be switched toprovide fluidic coupling between the pressure device 220 and the samplechamber 210, which will act to draw sample out of the chamber 220through the fluid line 215. A continuous or intermittent stream of acleaning fluid can be provided by a sample introduction device oranother fluid device that can introduce sample into the sample chamber210. Injecting intermittent bursts of cleaning fluid into the samplechamber 210 in combination with pressure from the pressure device 220can cause turbulent flow or cavitation of the cleaning fluid through thesample chamber 210, which acts to remove residual sample from the samplechamber 210. Additional air may be drawn in with the cleaning fluid toenhance the turbulent flow in the sample chamber 210 and/or dry thesample chamber 210 prior to subsequent introduction of another sample.The volume of cleaning fluid used may be calculated from the referencetime t_(ref) according to Equations [4] and [5].W=Floor[C ₇ +S _(max)+(S _(min) −S _(max))exp^((−C8×x))] if t_(ref)>0  [4]W=S _(min) if t _(ref)≤0  [5]where W is the number of aliquots of a selected volume, e.g., 500microliters, used to wash the flow cell, S_(max) is a maximum number ofaliquots, S_(min) is a minimum number of aliquots, C₇ and C₈ areconstants. The Floor function Floor (N) provides the largest integer notgreater than N. The number of washes cannot exceed S_(max) or drop belowS_(min). In some instances, about 1.2, 1.5 or 2 times the amount ofcalculated cleaning fluid can be used to ensure any residual sample hasbeen removed from the sample chamber 210. In some embodiments wherepassive filling is used, a minimal number of washes can be used as thesample is likely to be less viscous than samples used with activefilling. For example, the system can be configured such that a minimumnumber of washes, e.g., 4-5 wash injections, are used where passivefilling has been used to fill the flow cell. Where active filling hasbeen used to fill the flow cell, the number of washes generallycorrelates to the viscosity of the sample with more viscous samplesdesirably including more wash injections. In some configurations, thesystem can be configured such that a maximum number of wash injectionsis selected, e.g., 15-20 separate wash injections, where thet_(reference) values are substantially larger than the t_(thresh)values, e.g., where t_(ref) values are 2×, 3×, 4×, 5× or more largerthan t_(thresh). In certain embodiments, subsequent to injection of thecleaning fluid, the active filling condition can be maintained for aneffective period to dry the sample chamber 210. In particular, air canbe drawn in through the sample chamber 210 and exits into the pressuredevice 220 to enhance drying of the sample chamber 210 and removal ofany residual cleaning fluid in the sample chamber 210. In certainembodiments, the pressure used during the washing steps may be about−400 mbar or less, e.g., −500 mbar or −600 mbar.

In certain embodiments, an illustration of a sample introduction devicesuitable for use with the systems described herein is shown in FIG. 3.The sample introduction device 300 comprises at least one syringe 310that can be used to load sample into the body of the syringe 310 andsubsequently load sample into a fill cup (not shown) or samplingassembly from the syringe. The syringe 310 typically includes a needlethat can engage to the fill cup and load the sample into the fill cup.The fill cup is fluidically coupled to the flow cell to provide samplefrom the fill cup, through the timing line and to the flow cell at aselected fill time or rate. The sample introduction device 300 alsoincludes a deck or surface 320 that can receive a device holding one ormore samples such as, for example, the rack 325 shown in FIG. 3. Inoperation, a device including a plurality of samples may be placed onthe surface or deck 320. The syringe can be lowered into one of thetubes in the rack to extract sample from the tube. Extraction typicallyoccurs by engaging a pump 330 fluidically coupled to the syringe to drawsample into the needle of the syringe through pressure provided by thepump. A transfer port such as, for example, a fill cup can be used todeliver sample from the syringe to the flow cell if desired. Aftermeasurement of sample, the syringe may be washed by moving the syringeto a wash port where cleaning fluid or solvent can be introduced intothe syringe. Cleaning fluid may introduced into the needle and thesample cell using vacuum filling as described herein or can beintroduced using passive filling.

In certain embodiments, in a typical sampling procedure the needle islowered into the sample and sample is drawn into the needle by drawingdown of the sample pump. This provides for introduction of sample intothe needle with an air head or column above the sample. The needle withsample may then be moved to a transfer port or fill cup, where it can belowered and engage the transfer port. In passive filling of the flowcell, the needle typically remains engaged to the transfer port duringmeasurement of the sample, whereas in active or assisted filling of theflow cell, the needle is typically removed from the transfer port duringmeasurement though it may remain engaged if desired. After measurementof the sample, the needle may be moved to a waste port to dispense anyremaining sample, and the needle can be washed as described herein,e.g., using cleaning fluid and assisted filling to cause turbulent flowof the cleaning fluid and enhance cleaning of the flow cell. Once theneedle and flow cell have been cleaned, a new sample may be introducedinto the sample introduction device and flow cell for analysis. Ifdesired, the flow cell may include more than a single port to receivesample from two different fill cup assemblies or transfer ports. In someembodiments, the spectrometer may include an upper position and a lowerposition for measurement of sample in the flow cell.

In certain embodiments, the systems described herein can be configuredsuch that a selected fill rate, or if desired a substantially constantfilling time, is implemented notwithstanding that different samples mayhave different viscosities. For example, the system can be configuredsuch that the flow cell fill time is between about 250 milliseconds toabout 30 seconds, more particularly about 500 milliseconds to about 25seconds, e.g., about 5 seconds to about 20 seconds, or any value betweenthese illustrative ranges. To provide a faster filling time, largerpressure differentials can be implemented to increase flow of viscoussamples into the flow cell. Where less viscous samples are present, thepressure differential can be reduced or the system can be operated in apassive mode.

In certain embodiments, the systems described herein can include morethan one flow cell. For example, the system can include an additionalflow cell fluidically coupled to the sample introduction device. Thesample introduction device may take the form of a manifold or othersuitable device that can provide sample to more than a single flow cell.In some examples, the system can include an additional fluid flow linebetween the sample introduction device and the additional flow cell, inwhich the additional fluid flow line is sized and arranged to provide areference sample from the sample introduction device to the additionalflow cell at a second reference time. If desired, an additional sensor,e.g., an ultrasonic sensor can be coupled to the fluid inlet of theadditional flow cell and configured to determine the time of arrival ofsample at the fluid inlet of the additional flow cell. In someembodiments, a single sensor can be used with two or more flow cells. Incertain embodiments, the system can include an additional 3-way solenoidvalve fluidically coupled to the additional flow cell and configured tobe switched between a first state and a second state, in which theadditional flow cell is fluidically coupled to the pressure device whenthe additional 3-way solenoid valve is in the second state andfluidically decoupled from the additional flow cell when the additional3-way solenoid valve is in the first state. If desired, each flow cellcan be fluidically coupled to its own pressure device or a singlepressure device can be used for two or more flow cells. In someexamples, the sample introduction device can be configured as a manifoldwith at least two outlets in which a first outlet is fluidically coupledto the flow cell and a second outlet is fluidically coupled to theadditional flow cell.

An illustrative configuration of a system that can be used to providedirect and active filling is shown in FIG. 4. The components of thesystem 400 include a fill cup assembly 410 that is configured to receivea sample from a syringe based pipette system (e.g., an autosamplersystem). The tip of the pipette tip 470 forms a seal with the fill cup410 during sample injection. An air gap exists in the pipette tipseparating the system (syringe) fluid from the sample fluid. This aircolumn is compressed when the syringe actuates, and the compressed airthen drives sample into the fill cup 410. A fluid line 415 with adefined length and bore, i.e., a timing line, fluidically couples thefill cup 410 to a flow cell 430. In certain embodiments, the fluid line415 may be an inner diameter of about 0.05 inches to about 0.1 inches,e.g., an inner diameter of about 1/16^(th) of an inch, and an outerdiameter of about 0.1 inches to about 0.2 inches, e.g., an outerdiameter of about ⅛^(th) of an inch. The overall length of the fluidline 415 can vary from about 2 inches to about 20 inches, e.g., about 5inches to about 15 inches or about 10 inches. The constants and valuesused in determining the fill times will vary depending on the particularlength and volume of the timing line selected. In some instances, it maybe desirable to select the fluid line 415 to be as short as possiblewhile still enabling measurement of the arrival times, reference timesand/or fill times and while still permitting samples of differentviscosities to have different arrival times, e.g., the fluid line 415may be selected to be as short as possible without compromising theability to discriminate between samples of different viscosities.

In certain examples, the flow cell 430 may have an internal volume ofabout 100-500 microliters, more particularly about 100 to about 300microliters, for example about 100-150 microliters. In certaininstances, the flow cell 430 can include an optically transparent windowthat can receive a signal, e.g., light, from a detector for measurementof sample. In some embodiments, this optical window or optical regionmay have a volume of about 10-30 microliters, more particularly about15-25 microliters, e.g., about 20 microliters. In certainconfigurations, the path length of the optical region may also vary fromabout 0.05 mm to about 0.5 mm, for example, about 0.075 mm to about 0.15mm, e.g., about 0.1 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the opticalregion (when the cross-section is circular) can be from about 10 mm toabout 25 mm, more particularly about 15 mm to about 20 mm. The exactcross-sectional shape of the optical region may vary and shapes such asrectangular, square, triangular and other shapes can be used in place ofa circular cross-section.

In some embodiments, the combined volume of the fluid line 415 and theflow cell 430 may be about 0.5-3 mL, more particularly about 1-3 mL,1.5-2.5 mL or 2 mL. A sensor 420 can be positioned the inlet of the flowcell 430 (or in the flow cell 430) to detect the arrival of sample atthe flow cell 430. A three way, two position valve 440 can be used toswitch the system from the direct or passive filling mode to the activeor vacuum assisted filling mode. When the valve 440 is not energized(OFF) the common port (com) is connected to the normally open (n.o.)port, which provides a pressure close to zero gauge pressure oratmospheric pressure in the flow cell 430. When the valve is energized(ON) the common port (com) is connected to the normally closed port(n.c.), which provides a pressure gradient between the flow cell 430 anda pressure chamber 450. The pressure chamber 450 positioned downstreamof the valve 440 can be pre-pumped to a known negative gauge pressure,e.g., about −200 mBar to about −500 mBar, prior to the delivery ofsample to the fill cup 410. The pressure chamber 410 is used forpressure control and can also be used for the collection of waste sampleand solvent, if desired. An upper limit on the chamber volume isgenerally imposed by space constraints and the need for reasonablepump-down times; however the volume of the chamber can be considerablylarger than the volume of the flow circuit to provide substantiallyconstant pressures. In certain embodiments, the pressure chamber mayhave a volume of about 100 mL to about 200 mL, for example, about 125mL, 150 mL or 175 mL. In certain embodiments, the volume of the pressurechamber 450 is at least 50× greater than the combined total volume ofthe flow cell 430 and the fluid line 415, more particularly, the volumeof the pressure chamber 450 is at least 60× or 75× greater than thecombined total volume of the flow cell 430 and the fluid line 415. Theuse of constant pressure in the pressure chamber 450 provides precisecontrol of sample movement and provides for the relationship between thereference time (t_(ref)) and fill time (t_(fill)) as described herein.The pressure chamber is fluidically coupled to a pump 460 which is ableto evacuate the pressure chamber and hold this pressure constant (e.g.using an isolation valve) when a target negative gauge pressure isreached. If desired, one or more pressure sensors may be present in thepressure chamber 450 to determine when a desired pressure is reached. Insome embodiments, the pump 460 may be configured such that a desiredpressure is reached in the pressure chamber from about 1-4 seconds ofpumping, e.g., about −300 mbar gauge pressure can be reached after about2 seconds of pumping. The particular pressure selected for use in thepressure chamber 450 can depend on the sample properties. A morenegative pressure can provide for increased fill times but may result inthe sample breaking up or bubble formation in the sample in the flowcell 430. Similarly, a less negative pressure reduces the likelihood ofsample breakup but increases the overall fill time. As described herein,the pressure may be very negative during the washing step, e.g., lessthan −500 mbar or −700 mbar or less, to increase turbulent flow andenhanced washing of the flow cell.

In certain embodiments, the systems described herein can be used withsamples having a wide range of viscosities. For example, samples with aviscosity up to 1000 cSt (at 40° C.) can be measured with the systemsdescribed herein. Systems with viscosities higher than 1000 cSt (at 40°C.) may also be measured by adjusting the fill times and/or pressuresused in the pressure chamber. As described herein, samples with lowviscosities are generally used with the direct or passive filling mode,and samples with high viscosities are generally used with the active orvacuum assisted mode. While the exact viscosity that is low or high willdepend on the particular sample, samples with viscosities above about 20cSt (at 40° C.) are generally considered high viscosity samples.

In certain embodiments, the systems described herein can be used with orcan include a detector to detect the sample in the flow cell.Illustrative detectors include ultrasonic detectors, light detectorssuch as, for example, infrared spectrometers (e.g., FTIR spectrometers),absorbance detectors (e.g., Visible light detectors, Ultraviolet lightdetectors), emission detectors (e.g., fluorescence, phosphorescence orRaman scattering detectors), magnetic detectors, paramagnetic detectors,and other suitable detectors. The detectors may include suitable lamps,circuitry, monochromators, gratings, and the like to permit analysis ofsamples at a selected wavelength or in a desired manner.

In certain embodiments, a kit comprising a flow cell comprising a firstport configured to provide fluidic coupling between the flow cell and asample introduction device, and a fluid flow line configured to becoupled to the first port of the flow cell and sized and arranged to beplaced between the flow cell and the sample introduction device toprovide a sample of known viscosity to the flow cell from the sampleintroduction device at a selected time is provided. The fluid flow lineof the kit is equivalent to the timing line described herein. Where thekit includes a plurality of different sized timing lines, the kit mayinclude a suitable algorithm showing the relationship between fill timeand reference time for each of the timing lines of the kit. A user canselect or use the particular fill algorithm associated with theparticular selected timing line.

In some examples, the kit can also include a sensor configured to becoupled to the first port of the flow cell to detect arrival of thesample at the flow cell. For example, the kit can include an ultrasonicsensor, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor or other suitable sensors.If desired, the sensor can be configured to engage the first port of theflow cell through a friction fit, snap fit or other suitable connection.The sensor may also include suitable electrical connections forelectrically coupling the sensor to a processor so that signals from thesensor can be received by the processor and used by the processor indetermining whether direct or vacuum assisting filling is desired. Inother embodiments, the kit can also include a valve configured toprovide fluidic coupling between the flow cell and a pressure device ina second state of the valve and configured to provide fluidic decouplingbetween the flow cell and the pressure device in a first state of thevalve. Illustrative valves include 3-ways valves, solenoid valves andother types of valves that can be actuated between an open and a closedposition. In some embodiments, more than a single valve can be used inthe kits or the systems described herein. In other examples, the kit caninclude a pressure device configured to provide a negative pressure inthe flow cell when the valve is in the second state. For example, thepressure device can take the form of a pump in combination with apressure chamber. The pump can be used to reduce the pressure in thepressure chamber to a desired negative pressure prior to or duringfilling of the flow cell. In some embodiments, the pump can beconfigured to pump for a pre-set period, e.g., 2 seconds, such that thepressure in the pressure chamber will be substantially constant fromanalysis to analysis. In other embodiments, the pressure chamber caninclude one or more pressure sensors configured to provide a measure ofthe actual pressure in the pressure chamber, and the pump can beconfigured to pump until a selected pressure in the pressure chamber isachieved. In other embodiments, the kit can include a reservoircomprising a cleaning or wash fluid. As described herein, the wash fluidcan be used with the pressure system to introduce a turbulent flow ofwash fluid into the flow cell to clean the flow cell between samples.

In certain embodiments, the devices described herein can be used as adownhole tool for measuring samples of varying viscosities during adrilling operation or oil or natural gas exploration operation. Forexample, a downhole tool comprising a flow cell comprising a fluidinlet, a sensor coupled to the fluid inlet of the flow cell andconfigured to determine the time of arrival of sample at the fluid inletof the flow cell, a valve fluidically coupled to the flow cell, and apressure device fluidically coupled to the flow cell when the valve isin a second state and fluidically decoupled from the flow cell when thevalve is in a first state, the pressure device configured to provide anegative pressure to the flow cell when the valve is in the second statecan be used to sample fluids during a drilling operation. In certainembodiments, the active filling function of the tool permits rapidfilling and analysis of many different types of species that tend to bepresent in oil formations without having to use different instruments ordifferent flow cells or analyze samples uphole.

In some embodiments, the flow cell is fluidically coupled to a fluidflow line between a sample introduction device and the flow cell, inwhich the fluid flow line is sized and arranged to provide a referencesample from the sample introduction device to the flow cell at areference time. By providing a reference sample, the relationshipbetween the fill time and the reference time may be periodicallyverified, if desired. In some embodiments, the tool can be configured toactuate the valve from the first state to the second state if arrival ofthe sample at the fluid inlet is greater than the threshold arrivaltime. In certain examples, the sensor of the tool can be an ultrasonicsensor, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor or other suitable sensors.In some embodiments, the tool can include a detector or be electricallycoupled to a detector or components thereof to analyze any sample in theflow cell. For example, an infrared detector, a fluorescence detector, avisible light detector or an ultraviolet light detector can be used toanalyze the sample in the flow cell. The pressure device of the tool canbe configured to provide a negative pressure of about −100 mbar or less,e.g., about −200 mbar or less or about −300 mbar or less. If desired,the entire tool may be enclosed in a chamber or housing to account forthe increased pressures commonly present in downhole situations. In someembodiments, the tool can include a reservoir comprising a cleaningfluid, in which the reservoir is fluidically coupled to the flow cell,to permit cleaning of the tool downhole and without the need to removethe tool from the wellbore. In some embodiments, the pressure device canbe configured to provide a negative pressure less than −500 mbar duringintroduction of the cleaning fluid to provide a turbulent flow ofcleaning fluid to the flow cell.

In certain embodiments, the devices described herein can be used inmethods to accelerate flow of sample into a flow cell. For example, amethod comprising actuating a valve between a flow cell and a pressuredevice from a first state to a second state to provide fluidic couplingbetween the flow cell and the pressure device if a sensed time of samplearrival at the sample cell is greater than a threshold value can be usedto fill a flow cell with a viscous fluid. In some embodiments, themethod can include providing a negative pressure using the pressuredevice to accelerate the sample into the sample cell. In otherembodiments, the method can include configuring the negative pressure tobe about −100 mbar or less, e.g., −300 mbar or less. In certainembodiments, the method can include providing a fluid flow lineconfigured to be placed between a sample introduction device and theflow cell, in which the fluid flow line is sized and arranged to providea reference sample from the sample introduction device to the flow cellat a reference time. In additional embodiments, the fluid flow line canbe configured to be about 10 inches long. In some embodiments, themethod can include detecting arrival of sample at the flow cell using anultrasonic sensor or an optical sensor or other suitable sensor. Incertain examples, the method can include analyzing sample in the flowcell using an infrared detector or other suitable detector.

In certain examples, the method can include measuring the time ofarrival of the sample at the flow cell and fluidically coupling the flowcell to the pressure device if the arrival time is greater than athreshold time. In other examples, the method can include measuring thetime of arrival of the sample at the flow cell and operating the flowcell in a fluidically decoupled state if the arrival time is less than athreshold time. In some embodiments, the method can include providing aturbulent flow of a cleaning fluid to the flow cell to remove anyresidue from the flow cell.

In certain embodiments, a method comprising providing a negativepressure from a pressure device fluidically coupled to the flow cell toaccelerate filling of the flow cell with the sample can be used to filla flow cell with a sample. In some examples, the method can includeintroducing sample from a sample introduction device into the flow cellfluidically coupled to the sample introduction device, the flow cellcomprising a sensor in a fluid inlet, in which the sensor is configuredto detect arrival of the sample at the flow cell. In other examples, themethod can include actuating a valve between the pressure device and thesample cell to a position that provides the fluidic coupling between thepressure device and the sample cell if the detected time of samplearrival at the sample cell is greater than a threshold value. Inadditional examples, the method can include configuring the negativepressure to be about −100 mbar or less. In further examples, the methodcan include providing a fluid flow line configured to be placed betweena sample introduction device and the flow cell, in which the fluid flowline is sized and arranged to provide a reference sample from the sampleintroduction device to the flow cell at a reference time. In someexamples, the method can include detecting arrival of sample at the flowcell using an ultrasonic sensor or an optical sensor or other suitablesensor. In certain embodiments, the method can include analyzing samplein the flow cell using an infrared detector or other suitable detector.

In some embodiments, the method can include measuring the time ofarrival of the sample at the flow cell and fluidically coupling the flowcell to the pressure device if the arrival time is greater than athreshold time. In certain embodiments, the method can include measuringthe time of arrival of the sample at the flow cell and operating theflow cell in a fluidically decoupled state if the arrival time is lessthan a threshold time. In further embodiments, the method can includeproviding a turbulent flow of a cleaning fluid to the flow cell toremove any residue from the flow cell.

In certain examples, a method of loading a flow cell at a selected flowrate where samples of varying viscosity are loaded comprises measuringthe arrival time of a sample at an entrance port of the flow cell, andfluidically coupling the flow cell to a pressure device providing anegative pressure to accelerate filling of the flow cell to the selectedflow rate if the measured arrival time exceeds a threshold value can beused to fill a flow cell. In some embodiments, the method can includemeasuring the arrival time of the sample using an ultrasonic sensor. Inadditional embodiments, the method can include measuring the arrivaltime of the sample using an optical sensor or other suitable sensor. Insome embodiments, the method can include actuating a 3-way solenoidvalve to a second state to provide the fluidic coupling between the flowcell and the pressure device. In certain examples, the method caninclude adjusting the negative pressure to be about −100 mbar or less,e.g., −200 mbar or −300 mbar. In some embodiments, the method caninclude providing a fluid flow line configured to be placed between asample introduction device and the flow cell, in which the fluid flowline is sized and arranged to provide a reference sample from the sampleintroduction device to the flow cell at a reference time. In certainexamples, the method can include providing the negative pressure from apressure device comprising a pressure chamber with a volume at leastthirty times larger than the volume of the flow cell. In additionalexamples, the method can include providing a selected negative pressureto the flow cell during filling of the flow cell. In some embodiments,the method can include introducing a turbulent flow of a cleaning fluidinto the flow cell to remove any residual sample from the flow cell. Infurther embodiments, the method can include configuring the negativepressure to be less than −500 mbar during introduction of the cleaningfluid.

Certain specific examples are described below to illustrate further someof the novel aspects and embodiments of the technology described herein.

Example 1

Referring to the system of FIG. 4 and the timing diagrams shown in FIGS.5 and 6, one embodiment of a sample cell filling procedure is describedas follows: the three wave valve 440 is set to the OFF condition (com isconnected to n.o.) so that the fluid circuit between the fill cup 410and the three way valve 440 is at zero gauge pressure (atmosphere). Thepressure chamber 450, having a volume of about 125 mL, is pumped downfor a fixed period of time. This presets the chamber 450 to a known(negative) gauge pressure. Generally, about −216 mbar, −311 mbar and−439 mbar of pressure can be reached when the pump time is 1 second, 2seconds and 3 seconds, respectively; this pressure is locked in thechamber. The pipette tip 470 descends into the fill cup 410 where itmakes a seal. The syringe of the pipette tip 470 displaces a fixedvolume of system fluid, compressing the air pocket in the pipette tipbehind the sample. This volume displaced is sufficient to fill the fluidcircuit with sample from the fill cup 410 to the probed region of theflow cell 430. The sensor 420 is polled continuously and if it triggers(sample detected) the time of triggering is recorded (t_(sens)). Thesystem waits for the sample injection to complete and when it completes(syringe stops) the time (t_(inj)) is recorded. If the sensor 420 hasalready triggered then the reference time is calculated:(t_(ref)=t_(sens)−t_(fill)) (the value will be negative). If(t_(ref)≥t_(thr)) (a pre-determined threshold value) or the sensor hasnot yet triggered, then the fill mode is set to ‘vac assist’. Otherwisethe fill mode is set to direct. If the fill mode=‘vac assist’, the threeway valve 440 is set to the ON state (com connected to n.c.) causing asudden pressure drop in front of the sample fluid column (see FIG. 6).This accelerates the flow of sample through the system. If the fillmode=‘direct’, the valve 440 remains OFF (see FIG. 5) and the samplecontinues propelled only by the positive air pressure in the tip of thepipette 470 behind the sample. If the sample sensor has not yettriggered it is polled until sample is detected. The time of detection(t_(sens)) is recorded and (t_(ref)=t_(sens)−t_(inj)) is calculated (thevalue will be positive).

As described herein, the fill time (t_(fill)) is computed from thereference time (t_(ref)), the functional relationship between (t_(ref))and (t_(fill)) having been determined in advance. A different functionis used for ‘direct’ and ‘vac assist’ filling modes. A simple linearrelationship or a non-linear relationship can be used to model therelationship between t_(fill) and t_(ref).

As soon as the fill time (t_(fill)) has elapsed, the three way valve 440is switched to the OFF state (it will already be OFF in ‘direct’ mode).This sets the gauge pressure in front of the sample column to zero(atmosphere) and halts the fluid motion. At this point the cell 430 hasbeen filled with sample. If the fill mode=vac assist, the tip of thepipette 470 is lifted from the cup 410. If the fill mode=direct, the tipof the pipette 470 stays down in the cup 410. This prevents movement ofthe fluid column for low viscosity samples. The sample is then measuredusing a suitable detector, e.g., a FTIR detector.

Example 2

To wash the flow cell and remove any residual sample between sampleruns, the following procedure can be used: the three way valve 440 isset the ON state and the pressure chamber 450 is pumped continuously.This pumping pulls sample out of the flow cell 430 towards the pressurechamber 450. The system waits until the sample column breaks ups(cavitation). The required volume of cleaning solvent is calculated fromthe value of (t_(ref)). This volume is injected (in a series of shots oraliquots) from a position just above the fill cup 410 (i.e. no seal ismade between the fill cup 410 and the pipette 470) and is pulled throughthe fluid circuit under vacuum into the pressure chamber 450. The flowis highly turbulent and efficiently cleans the cell. The vacuum ismaintained for a sufficient time to dry the fluid circuit in preparationfor the next sample.

Example 3

A series of known samples were used to determine the relationshipbetween the reference time and the fill time. The samples hadviscosities that varied from 30 cSt (@ 40° C.) to 940 cSt (@ 40° C.). AnOilExpress system commercially available from PerkinElmer EnvironmentalSciences, Inc. was modified to include the assembly shown in FIG. 4. Aprepump time of 2 seconds was used to reduce the pressure in thepressure chamber to about −311 mbar.

The results are shown graphically in FIG. 7. The original fill functionrefers to a linear fit (Equation [1]) whereas the new fill functionrefers to a non-linear fit (Equation [2]). As shown in FIG. 5, the newfill function provides a better approximation of the relationshipbetween the reference time and the fill time. A fit of the data, usingEquation [2], was used to determine Equation [6] for the fill time foractive or vacuum assisted filling of the flow cell. The vacuum assistedfilling algorithm for the filling time T was determined to beT=(1423+kt _(ref)−2.882×10⁻⁵ t _(ref)+2.143P+2.491×10⁻³ t _(ref)P)×1.3+t _(ref)  [6]where the value of k was 2.2 if the flow cell was in the lowerspectrometer position, and the value of k was 2.0 if the flow cell wasin the upper spectrometer position. For comparison, a linear fit, basedon Equation [1], provided an equation of T=1.9t_(ref)+2.083.

Where direct or passive filling of the flow cell was used, a fit of thedata was used to determine Equation [7]. The direct filling algorithmfor the filling time T was determined to beT=8t _(ref)+6500+FillOffset  [7]where the FillOffset value was 1000 if the fill time was less than orequal to 1000 ms. The direct fill time was the same for the upper andlower positions and did not depend on the chamber pre-pressure.

Example 4

The system of FIG. 4 was used to test various hydrocarbon fluids. It wastested with oil samples having viscosities ranging from 10 cSt up to 680cSt (at 40° C.) and with heptane samples having a viscosity of 0.5 cSt.The fill times achieved for the various samples are shown in the tableof FIG. 8. As shown in the table, when active or vacuum assisted (VacAssist) filling is used, fluids having viscosities above 30 cSt can beloaded into a chamber at substantially similar fill times as a fluidhaving a viscosity of about 8.848 cSt. Where viscosity increases fromabout 30 cSt to about 120 cSt, the fill time using vacuum assistedfilling increased by less than 2 seconds. Where viscosity increases fromabout 30 cSt to about 315 cSt, the fill time increases only by about 5seconds. Where viscosity increases from 30 cSt to about 680 cSt, filltime increases by only about 15 seconds. By using active filling withhigh viscosity fluids, the filling time of the flow cell can be reducedsubstantially.

When introducing elements of the aspects, embodiments and examplesdisclosed herein, the articles “a,” “an,” “the” and “said” are intendedto mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising,” “including” and “having” are intended to be open-ended andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements. It will be recognized by the person of ordinary skill in theart, given the benefit of this disclosure, that various components ofthe examples can be interchanged or substituted with various componentsin other examples.

Although certain aspects, examples and embodiments have been describedabove, it will be recognized by the person of ordinary skill in the art,given the benefit of this disclosure, that additions, substitutions,modifications, and alterations of the disclosed illustrative aspects,examples and embodiments are possible.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of accelerating the flow of sampleinto a sample flow cell, the method comprising providing a negativepressure from a pressure device fluidically coupled to the sample flowcell to accelerate filling of the sample flow cell with the sample,wherein the sample flow cell is fluidically coupled to a sampleintroduction device and a timing fluid line present between the sampleintroduction device and a fluid inlet of the sample flow cell, andwherein the timing line is sized and arranged to provide a referencesample from the sample introduction device to the fluid inlet of thesample flow cell at a reference time, and wherein the sample flow isaccelerated into the sample flow cell by actuating a valve fluidicallycoupled to an inlet of the pressure device and an outlet of the sampleflow cell if a measured time of sample arrival at the fluid inlet of thesample flow cell exceeds a threshold value.
 2. The method of claim 1,further comprising detecting a time of sample arrival of the sample atthe fluid inlet of the sample flow cell using a sensor in the fluidinlet of the sample flow cell.
 3. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising actuating the valve between the pressure device and thesample flow cell to a position that provides the fluidic couplingbetween the inlet of the pressure device and the outlet of the sampleflow cell if the detected time of sample arrival at the sample cellexceeds the threshold value, and actuating the valve between thepressure device and the sample flow cell to a second position thatfluidically decouples the pressure device from the sample flow cell ifthe detected time of sample arrival at the sample cell is below thethreshold value.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprisingconfiguring the negative pressure to be −100 mbar or less.
 5. The methodof claim 3, further comprising detecting arrival of sample at the inletof the sample flow cell using an ultrasonic sensor or an optical sensor.6. The method of claim 3, further comprising detecting sample in theinlet of the sample flow cell using an infrared detector.
 7. The methodof claim 3, further comprising measuring the time of arrival of thesample at the sample flow cell and operating the sample flow cell in afluidically decoupled state if the arrival time of the sample is lessthan a threshold time.
 8. The method of claim 3, further comprisingproviding a turbulent flow of a cleaning solvent to the sample flow cellto remove any residue from the sample flow cell.
 9. A method of loadinga sample flow cell at a selected flow rate where samples of varyingviscosity are loaded to accelerate loading of viscous samples into thesample flow cell, the method comprising: measuring a sample arrival timeof a first sample at an entrance port of the sample flow cell using asensor in the entrance port of the sample flow cell; and fluidicallycoupling the sample flow cell to a pressure device providing a negativepressure to accelerate filling of the sample flow cell to the selectedflow rate with the first sample if the measured sample arrival timeexceeds a threshold value, wherein filling of the flow cell with thesample is accelerated by the fluidic coupling to the pressure devicewhen the sample is viscous and arrives at the entrance port at a timeexceeding the threshold value, wherein the sample flow cell isfluidically coupled to a timing line sized and arranged to provide areference sample from a sample introduction device to the entrance portof the sample flow cell at a reference sample time, wherein the sampleflow cell is fluidically decoupled to the pressure device in a firststate of a valve positioned between an outlet of the sample flow celland an inlet of the pressure device, and wherein the valve comprises asecond state to fluidically couple the outlet of the sample flow cell tothe inlet of the pressure device when the valve is actuated from thefirst state to the second state.
 10. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising measuring the arrival time of the sample using an ultrasonicsensor.
 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising measuring thearrival time of the sample using an optical sensor.
 12. The method ofclaim 9, further comprising a processor electrically coupled to thevalve and the sensor, wherein the valve is a 3-way solenoid valve andwherein the processor is configured to actuate the 3-way solenoid valvefrom the first state to the second state to provide the fluidic couplingbetween the outlet of the sample flow cell and the inlet of the pressuredevice if the measured arrival time of the first sample exceeds athreshold value.
 13. The method of claim 9, further comprising adjustingthe negative pressure to be about −100 mbar or less.
 14. The method ofclaim 9, further comprising providing the negative pressure from apressure device comprising a pressure chamber with a volume at leastthirty times larger than the volume of the sample flow cell.
 15. Themethod of claim 9, further comprising providing a selected negativepressure to the sample flow cell during filling of the sample flow cell.16. The method of claim 9, further comprising introducing a turbulentflow of a cleaning solvent into the sample flow cell to remove anyresidual sample from the sample flow cell.
 17. The method of claim 16,further comprising configuring the negative pressure to be less than orequal to −500 mbar during introduction of the cleaning solvent into thesample flow cell.